The 2026 Student Film Competition submission window is closed
TVFF 10 years, 2017 to 2026Tuscarawas Valley Film Festival
2026 entries closed

Student Film
Competition

The August 15 deadline has passed, and we are no longer accepting student films for 2026. The published rules and resources remain below for reference.

Return to the festivalView the 2026 rules

Student entries are now closed.

Thank you to the students, families, and educators who took an interest in this year's competition.

Closed

2026 award structure

Three published
cash prizes.

These were the awards announced for the 2026 student entry window. New entries are no longer being accepted.

First place$300
Second place$200
Third place$100

2026 reference

Eligibility and film requirements

The rules below are preserved as a reference for the closed 2026 student competition.

Who can enter

  • High-school students in grades 9 through 12.
  • Graduating seniors entering their first semester of college are also eligible.
  • Students must be enrolled in a school district in Tuscarawas, Stark, or Holmes County.
  • Students may work individually or in teams of up to five people.
  • No prior filmmaking experience is necessary.

Film requirements

  • Maximum runtime is five minutes, plus up to 30 seconds of credits.
  • Please submit original work and music, footage, images, and other material you have permission to use.
  • Films may be shot on any device, including a phone, DSLR, mirrorless camera, or action camera.
  • Submit a viewable cloud or streaming link and include the password when required.

How films were considered

  • Story and creativity.
  • Technical execution, including visuals, sound, editing, and pacing.
  • Originality and overall audience impact.
  • Suitability for a public festival program.

Current status

  • The 2026 deadline was August 15.
  • The student submission form is now closed.
  • No new student entries can be added for this festival year.
  • Future student opportunities will be announced on tuscfilm.org.

Looking ahead

Keep making films.

We hope local students continue creating. Future student opportunities and deadlines will be posted here when they are confirmed.

Free tools

Start with the story.

Students do not need expensive gear. These official resources can help with filming, editing, music, and writing.

Editing

DaVinci ResolveCapCutiMovie

Camera

Blackmagic Camera

Music

YouTube Audio LibraryFree Music ArchiveIncompetech

Writing

WriterDuet

The student form is closed.

Explore the four-night festival lineup and the TVFF short film competition.

See the festival lineup